Plantar Fasciitis Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Plantar Fasciitis Definition
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammatory condition of the fascia on the soles of the feet. Fascia is the tissue that wraps around the muscles in the area of the heel arch of the foot. That is why this disorder will cause pain in the heel.
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that anyone can experience. However, this condition is most often experienced by those in the age range of 40-60 years. In addition, this condition is also quite common in athletes or people who run a lot.
Plantar Fasciitis Symptom
The main symptom of plantar fasciitis is intense pain in the bottom of the foot, especially in the heel area. The pain gets worse when the sufferer stands or walks. Most sufferers complain of a painful sensation that feels like burning or like being stabbed by a knife. Apart from pain, it can also be accompanied by symptoms of redness and swelling in the soles of the feet.
Plantar Fasciitis Reason
Plantar fasciitis can occur due to muscle injuries, muscle spasms, or due to certain diseases which can also be degenerative diseases. Diseases that can cause plantar fasciitis are joint inflammation and ankylosing spondylitis (a disease of spinal stiffness due to an inflammatory reaction for which the cause is unclear). But in some cases, plantar fasciitis occurs for no apparent reason.
Women are more susceptible to this disease, those who are overweight, often walk or stand on hard mats or don’t support their feet properly. Likewise with athletes or people who run a lot. Those who anatomically have legs with high curvature, have short calf muscles, or a less flexible leg range of motion, are also at risk for this disorder.
Plantar Fasciitis Diagnosis
To determine the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis, the doctor will conduct a detailed medical interview to find out the symptoms that appear and a physical examination. Physical examination of the foot area is important in determining the presence of plantar fasciitis.
Apart from carrying out a physical examination, sometimes an X-ray examination needs to be done to ensure that there are no fractures in the soles of the feet. Meanwhile, supporting examinations such as X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are carried out only if the doctor suspects other diseases.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
As an initial treatment for plantar fasciitis, it is recommended that you rest your feet. Compressing feet with cold compresses and taking pain relievers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) will also help treat this condition early.
You should also reduce standing or walking activities first as much as possible. If you have to stand and walk, use soft footwear or ones that can support the shape of your feet.
If the complaint still doesn’t improve after initial treatment, the doctor can inject anti-inflammatory drugs into the leg area. The goal is to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
In addition, in some cases, physiotherapy needs to be done to flex the muscles involved. If the pain persists, you may also be referred to an orthopedic surgeon for further treatment.
Plantar Fasciitis Prevention
To reduce the risk of plantar fasciitis, use footwear that is soft, comfortable and according to the activity you are doing. Avoid doing strenuous activities. Also, make sure not to force yourself to do a leg-tiring activity if you’re not used to it or if your leg is injured.
Do regular exercise. Don’t forget to carry out adequate heating and cooling processes. Exercise will make all the muscles of the body, including the leg muscles, more flexible.
Prevent various problems with the leg muscles by maintaining normal body weight. Obesity is known to put an additional burden on the feet and can cause problems in the future.